The Pillars of Venice, greeting visitors for centuries. The original patron saint was St. Theodore, symbolized by a spear and the dragon legend says he slayed; he was later replaced by Saint Mark, symbolized by the famous Winged Lion of Venice. Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

The stunning St. Mark's Basilica. A Byzantine-Italian masterpiece in East-meets-West architecture, symbolizing Venice's role as the crossroads of the two worlds during the times of the Spice Trade. Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

View from St. Mark's Basilica onto the Piazza San Marco. Laid out in the 11th century, Napoleon later called it "the finest drawing room in Europe." Bonus: Pigeons don't look too bad from up here. Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

Campanile di San Marco on St. Mark's Square. It's 323 feet tall, capped by a pyramid, with the Lion of St. Mark and the female "Justice" symbols on alternating faces. Each of its five bells is only rung for its special purpose: beginning and end of day, midday, Senate meetings, council meetings, and one for (gulp) executions. Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. The original was built in 829, when St. Mark's relics were brought here from Alexandria. The version you see today was built in 1071, with a Greek cross layout and marble floors in a unique Byzantine-Italian architectural style. Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

The Torre dell'Orologio, or clock tower, in Venice. How you can tell it was built in 1499: The Earth is at the center of the universe, with the sun, moon and constellations rotating around it. Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

The Winged Lion of Venice, the symbol of St. Mark and of Venice. Seen everywhere throughout Venice and the former Venetian Republic. The open book says, "Peace Be With You, Mark the Evangelist." Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

Two of the four horses of St. Mark, proudly protecting St. Mark's Basilica. The originals are inside for safekeeping from the elements. They were once stolen by Napoleon, then taken back by the Venetians. Craig Whitley, Curious Traveler

Venice, Italy: The unfortunate poster child for overtourism, Venice struggles with pollution, overcrowding and the mass exodus of its locals. It’s also slowly sinking. Fast and convenient water taxis are often the preferred mode of transportation for tourists in the city, but it’s these same water taxis that contribute to many of the issues facing this historic city. Moto Ondoso, or wake pollution, is an issue distinct to Venice in which waves corrode the city’s structure and put it at risk of sinking.(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

VENICE, Italy (AP) — The mayor of Venice says Italy’s new budget law will allow the lagoon city to charge all visitors for accessing the historic center, not just those spending the night.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro announced on Twitter late Sunday that the tax will be extended to include anyone arriving in the city to “allow us to manage the city better and to keep it clean,” and “allow Venetians to live with more decorum.” The city council will determine the tax amount and collection mode.

Some 25 million people visit Venice each year, with about one-fifth spending at least one night in the historic center. Overnight visitors are currently charged a small tax per night.

Brugnaro said the substantial cost of cleaning and maintaining security has so far been paid “only by Venetians.”

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Japan holds the No. 10 spot in international tourism receipts, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Last year, it had $34.1 billion in receipts.This is the Tokyo skyline at sunset with Japan's highest mountain Mount Fuji behind the skyscrapers. KAZUHIRO NOGI, AFP/Getty Images

Thailand holds the No. 10 spot on the list of world destinations with the most number of international arrivals, according to the United National World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It had 35.4 million visitors in 2017. Here, visitors to the Phimai Historical Park walk among the restored ruins of Prasat Phimai in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province. DIEGO AZUBEL, EPA-EFE

Thailand holds the No. 4 spot for international tourism receipts, according to the UNWTO. In 2017, receipts totaled $57.5 billion. This is Koh Samui. This is Koh Ma, off Koh Phangan, Thailand. Mairead Flynn, AP

Turkey holds the No. 8 spot in international tourist arrivals, according to UNWTO. It had 37.6 million tourists last year. This is the Hagia Sophia in the Sultanahmet tourist district of Istanbul. Chris McGrath, Getty Images

The United Kingdom is the No. 7 ranked destination for international tourism arrivals. It had 32.7 million arrivals in 2017.This is Tower Bridge in London with HMS Belfast (R), a former British Royal Navy, WWII light cruiser, moored on the River Thames. NEIL HALL, EPA-EFE

The United Kingdom holds the No. 5 spot for international tourism receipts. Last year, it had $52.2 billion in receipts, according to the UNWTO. This is St George's Chapel within the walls of of Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England. It is where Prince Harry married American actress Meghan Markle. Alastair Grant, AP

Mexico is the No. 6 destination in the world in terms of international tourism arrivals. It had 39.3 million arrivals last year. Here, vendors in Mexico City.use a traditional comal (a flat griddle, often made from clay). Gerrish Lopez

China holds the No. 4 spot in the world in terms of international tourism arrivals. Here, two men stand at the bund near the Huangpu river across the Pudong New Financial district, in Shanghai. JOHANNES EISELE, AFP/Getty Images

Spain holds the No. 2 spot in international tourism arrivals, according to the UNWTO. It had 81.8 million visitors last year. This is the Casa Mila or "Pedrera" (the stone quarry) building in Barcelona. It was designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. JOSEP LAGO, AFP/Getty Images

France is the No. 1 destination in terms of international tourism arrivals. It had 86.9 million visitors last year. A couple pose for pictures on the Parvis des Droits de l'Homme square in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. LUDOVIC MARIN, AFP/Getty Images

France holds the No. 3 spot in the world in international tourism receipts. It had $60.7 billion in receipts last year. This is the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer in the south of France. USA TODAY/ Nancy Trejos